Cinco de Mayo is closer than you think, and, also, why wait to start mapping out your merriment? Here's a running roundup of ways to ring in the impending holiday, with everything from Mexican-inspired bites to tequila and cervezas, at restaurants and bars throughout Tampa Bay.
And just a heads-up: A couple of the following venues have decided to fuse their Cinco fiestas with celebrations in honor of the Kentucky Derby — like you needed more of a reason to indulge.
All events take place on May 5 unless otherwise noted.
Arkane Aleworks An impressive taco bar, courtesy of Lolita's Cocina Latina, on top of limited crowler fills of Yoda Pants for those who are partaking in the grub. Other beers include the popular Gimme Swelter (mango habanero Florida Weisse) and Greater of Two Evils (brown sugar cinnamon imperial stout with habanero). Noon. 2480 E. Bay Drive #23, Largo, 727-270-7117, arkanebeer.com.
bartaco Head to this coastal chain at Hyde Park Village for inventive, Instagramable tacos and signature margaritas, as well as live music and activities for kids. In-the-know patrons order the off-the-menu "secret taco," consisting of maitake mushrooms roasted with thyme and garlic, sweet corn purée, spring asparagus, corn relish and zesty salsa de ajo verde. 1601 W. Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-258-8226, bartaco.com.
Blue Harbour A Cinco de Derby bash with new $14 cocktails are in the spotlight, including the Hightailing Jalisco Mule (Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, organic agave nectar and Hellfire Bitters) and Spicy Mia-Rita (Don Julio Reposado, St-Germain, simple syrup, jalapeño, strawberry and soda). 3 p.m.-midnight. 725 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, 813-229-5038, westintampaharbourisland.com.
c.1949 Get down with the Florida beer emporium's donation-only taco bar, which benefits the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Wash down the food with $1-off deals on sangria and brews of Latin decent. Acho Brother provides the evening's tunes with his acoustic Latin-inflected guitar. 7:30-10:30 p.m. 6905 N. Orleans Ave., Tampa, 813-990-8883, c1949.com.
Caledonia Brewing The brewery features a new release, El Diablo Caliente (its popular Mexican lager spiced with chile de árbol), while the Gizzy's food cart supplies the Mexican-inspired menu. Noon-midnight. 587 Main St., Dunedin, 727-351-5105, caledoniabrewing.com.
Casa Tina A 26th annual celebration featuring the downtown mainstay's beloved food, arts and crafts, face painting, and a huuuge street party. From the showcase on the pavement — which kicks off at 4 p.m. — attendees can expect live performances, complimentary salsa lessons and the Mojiganga Parade, spotlighting giant papier-mâché puppets. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 365 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-9226, casatinas.com.
Dough Datz's sweet sibling observes a hybrid holiday, Cinco de Derby, with mint julep margarita sorbet (bourbon, triple sec, lime and black salt) by the scoop. Priced between $2.50 and $5.10, the sorbet is available now until May 6. In addition, there are $4 mint julep margarita cupcakes (bourbon-peppermint 'cakes with key lime frosting) up for grabs — starting two weeks before May 5 through May 6. 2602 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-902-1979, bestdoughnuts.com.
Duffy's Sports Grill A trio of crunchy beef tacos for $7.99, along with $3 Sauza and $7 Patron 'ritas. There's also a new watermelon marg (Casa Noble Crystal Tequila, watermelon purée, lime and a salt rim) on hand as well. May 4-6. 1580 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 813-875-7340, duffysmvp.com.
First Chance Last Chance Tequila shots and drinks from Espolòn starting at $4, $3 Corona, live music and a DJ in the courtyard, but the build-your-own margarita bar might be the best part. 7 p.m.-3 a.m. 1707 N. 16th St., Tampa, 813-816-1707, firstchancelastchance.com.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Served in Baccarat's take-home Diamant Highball glass, the $100 margarita — made with Herradura Selección Suprema and Grand Marnier Cuvée du Centenaire — returns to the upscale steakhouse chain for another year. May 4-6. 4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa, 813-874-9463, flemingssteakhouse.com.
Frankie's Lobstah Trap The merriment starts early at International Plaza, where $3 Modelo drafts, Corona bottles, house tequila shops and $5 'ritas are the stars inside this raw bar and grill. May 4 & 5, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. #B213, Tampa, 813-906-3219, frankieslobstahtrap.com.
Franklin Manor Corona Premier, the iconic brand's first new beer in almost 30 years, hosts its official Tampa launch party on Cinco. Marg specials, street tacos, nachos, live music and DJs accompany the Corona Premier open bar. The open bar lasts from noon to 2 p.m. No cover. 11 a.m.-3 a.m. 912 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-487-9990, thefranklinmanor.com.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop Now in its third year, this celebration from the fast-casual franchise offers Baja-style Mexican fare, live music and tons of booze — big-ass margs and shots included. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. 2874 Providence Lakes Blvd., Brandon, 813-324-7177, fuzzystacoshop.com.
Ichicoro Ane Complement your yuzu mimosa or brothless B.E.C. (bacon, egg and cheese ramen) with local culture during the Cinco edition of Brunchuru. With a DJ providing the day's soundtrack, seven large mural pop-up walls from Bloom Collective get painted — live — by area muralists: Sebastian Coolidge, Derek Donnelly, John Jairo Suarez, James Oleson, Jerry Cahill, ZuluPainter and Cheeta Art. A small village of artists on the patio is in on the fun, too. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 260 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-300-0281, ichicoroane.com.
Locale Market The First Friday celebration, Cuatro de Mayo, highlights pozole, mole chicken, ceviche tostadas, chorizo and potato tacos, and tres leches at the gourmet food emporium's stations. Advanced tickets are available online. $19.99 in advance, $24.99 day of. May 4, 6-9 p.m. 179 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-523-6300, localegourmetmarket.com.
Marker 48 Brewing A token system drives the $5 drink specials all day and night. Food trucks and a live performance from Actual Bank Robbers accompany additional seating and tents. Noon. 12147 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, 352-606-2509, marker48.com.
Mastry's Brewing Co. Beer and music collide during this bash on the beach — silent disco-style. Three DJs spin the best of reggae, reggaeton, modern dance, hip-hop, and old-school '80s and '90s sounds. Admission includes headphones and one full pour from the draft lines. Go dance the night away. $10. 7 p.m. 7701 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach, 727-202-8045, mastrysbrewingco.com.
Pair O' Dice Brewing Company Pucker up! Five new margarita-inspired gose beers hit the taps in honor of Cinco de Mayo: Booze in the Blender (strawberry and lime), Caribbean Soul (mango and lime), Tin Cup Chalice (cucumber and lime), Guava Me Now (guava and lime) and Only Bait in Town (blackberry and lime). The Gizzy's food truck provides the Chicago dogs. May 4, 3 p.m. 4400 118th Ave. N. #208, Clearwater, 727-755-3423, pairodicebrewing.com.
The Pint and Brew Cinco de Derby tappings of four Lexington, Kentucky, bourbon barrel-aged brews await, in addition to $5 chicken fajita grilled cheese and $3 chips and salsa. Noon-midnight. 3261 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, 727-515-9946.
Pour House A Mexican brunch from LOKO Cuisine accompanies beer from Mexico's Compañía Cervecera Hércules. Tampa-based Late Start Brewery recently traveled to brew a collaboration Vienna lager with Hércules's Josh Brengle, a former brewer for Cigar City Brewing. Their collab is planned on tap, alongside some other brewed goodness. Get tickets online. $21.40. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd. #112, Tampa, 813-402-2923, pourhousetampa.com.
Red Mesa Cantina Cinco de Burgo brings major tequila brands with samples and swag, plus cold beer and live tunes, to the downtown favorite's three floors, alley and six bars. No cover. 2 p.m.-2 a.m. 128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226, redmesacantina.com.
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar For the first time, International Plaza gets to experience the epic fiesta that is Rocco's on Cinco de Mayo. Not only does tequila expert and bar-top-dancing restaurateur Rocco Mangel (and his team) pour free tequila for guests, but drink deals, live entertainment, DJs and prize giveaways are anticipated as well. Noon. 2223 N. Westshore Blvd. #203, Tampa, 813-800-8226, roccostacos.com.
Tijuana Flats A special menu of $2 Mexican drafts and $2 tacos throughout the holiday weekend. Each location from the fast-casual Tex-Mex chain is participating. May 4-May 6. 944 Fourth St. N. #100, St. Petersburg, 727-823-5882, tijuanaflats.com.
Wakamolé Truly Mexican This Clearwater taqueria rolls out its new food truck with an all-day grand opening celebration at Bandit Coffee Co. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 2662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-871-9252, wakamoletacos.com.
This article appears in May 3-10, 2018.